June, July & August Workshops now online! Book Here!
Closed Glass Terrariums planted by hand by London Terrariums

The difference between open and closed terrariums

The difference between open and closed terrariums

Terrariums are a great way to add a touch of green to any interior space, and they require minimal upkeep. They are perfect if you don't have a green thumb, or don't have the time or space to care for a garden. If assembled correctly, a terrarium can thrive for many years with little maintenance.

There are two types of terrariums, open and closed terrariums. Keep reading to discover the differences between these two types of terrariums. 


Open Terrariums 

An open terrarium is exactly what it sounds like – a terrarium that is open to the air. These terrariums are typically filled with plants that prefer a drier environment, such as succulents and cacti. Because open terrariums are not sealed, they allow for better air circulation and can help prevent the buildup of excess moisture. This makes them a great choice for beginners or for those who don't have a lot of experience caring for plants. 

 

Closed Terrariums 

A closed terrarium, on the other hand, is a terrarium that is sealed with a lid or cover. These terrariums are typically filled with plants that prefer a more humid environment, such as ferns and mosses. The sealed environment creates a miniature ecosystem, with the plants producing oxygen and humidity and the soil and other components recycling nutrients. 


Closed terrariums require very little watering – once you've set up your terrarium, you can sit back and watch your plants thrive. Additionally, the sealed environment can help keep pests and other unwanted visitors out of your terrarium. Closed terrariums are also great for creating a more "natural" look, as they can be used to mimic a variety of different environments, such as a rainforest or a desert. 

At London Terrariums we use a range of different shaped vessels to suit different areas of your home, from traditional minijohns that are perfect on a desk or bookshelf to our bestselling dome terrariums that look great on a coffee table. Our boiling flask and conical flasks are our signature terrariums, or go for a dramatic cylinder terrarium that will stand proudly on your floor. 

Open or Closed Terrariums? 

The choice between an open or closed terrarium will ultimately depend on the type of plants you want to grow and your level of experience with terrariums. Whichever you choose, the end result will be a beautiful and low-maintenance mini garden that will add a touch of green to your home or office.

Discover our planted closed terrariums online or in-store. Or you can make your own at one of our terrarium workshops or with one of our terrarium kits. We make make open terrariums to order and sometimes have them available in our Shoreditch store

Shop the story